HONOLULU – The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) today announced the appointment of Trini Kaopuiki Clark as vice president of strategic communications and marketing, effective Nov. 2. 

Known to many throughout Hawaii for her years as a trusted television journalist and community leader, Kaopuiki Clark will lead HMSA’s communications strategy and efforts to strengthen engagement with members, employers, providers, community partners, employees, and the public. 

She brings more than two decades of communications and leadership experience to HMSA. Most recently, she served as president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, where she successfully led the organization through a period of growth and transformation. Prior to that, she built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism as a host, producer, and anchor at KHON2 News. 

“Trini is a respected leader, storyteller, and relationship builder whose deep connections throughout Hawaii make her an outstanding addition to HMSA,” said Mark M. Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S., chief executive officer of HMSA. “She understands the people of Hawaii, the importance of trust, and the power of meaningful communication. Improving the health and well-being of Hawaii requires strong partnerships. Trini’s experience and perspective will help us strengthen those connections and advance our mission.” 

“I’ve spent my career helping people understand the issues and stories that matter most to Hawaii,” said Kaopuiki Clark. “I’m honored to join HMSA and help communicate the important work being done to support healthier individuals, families, and communities throughout our state. I look forward to building on HMSA’s strong relationships and finding new ways to connect with the people we serve.” 

Kaopuiki Clark’s extensive communications background, executive leadership experience, and long-standing relationships throughout Hawaii’s media and community sectors will help advance HMSA’s efforts to engage stakeholders and communicate the organization’s priorities and impact across the state. 

# # #

About HMSA
Caring for the people of Hawaii is HMSA’s promise and privilege. Working together with employers, partners, and physicians and other health care providers, we promote well-being; develop reliable, affordable health plans; and support members with clear, thoughtful guidance. Established in 1938 by social workers, HMSA is the most experienced health plan in the state. Starting in 2025, HMSA is supporting TriWest Healthcare Alliance to administer the U.S. Department of Defense’s TRICARE program, providing health care for uniformed service members, their families, and survivors locally. With the addition of TRICARE, HMSA provides health care to nearly 1 million people in Hawaii. We embrace our responsibility as a recognized leader to strengthen the health and well-being of our community. Headquartered on Oahu with centers statewide to serve our members, HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. 

HMSA has respectfully removed all diacritical markings from this news release for media and web formatting purposes.